BEST ROTARY CUTTERS COMPILATION
| NAMES | FEATURES | WHERE TO BUY |
Olfa Deluxe Handle
|
Anti-slip rubber grip/Dual-action locking mechanism/Works on a variety of materials | GET IT ON AMAZON |
Olfa Splash
|
Unrestricted cutting angles/Premium quality edge/Ridges on handle for a good grip | GET IT ON AMAZON |
Fiskars Stick
|
Lifetime warranty/Available in three designs/Choose between 45 and 60 mm | GET IT ON AMAZON |
Evergreen Art Supply 45 mm
|
Competitively priced/Plastic feels flimsier than some | GET IT ON AMAZON |
Fiskars Comfort Loop
|
Good for batting or foam/Replacement blades are easy to find/Blade can retract unexpectedly | GET IT ON AMAZON |
Quilter’s Cut Deluxe
|
Reversible assembly/Works on cardboard and leather/Various colors to choose from | GET IT ON AMAZON |
Hercules AS100-K
|
Integrated sharpener/Ample 10-foot cord/Something of an investment | GET IT ON AMAZON |
Martelli Ergo 2000
|
Right and left-hand versions/Good maneuverability/Safety guard spring is a bit weak | GET IT ON AMAZON |
Olfa Circle Cutter
|
Includes cover for the pivot spike/For diameters up to nearly 9 inches/Tricky to get the hang of | GET IT ON AMAZON |
WA Portman Set
|
Mat comes in various sizes/Good gift for newbies/Blades dull relatively quickly | GET IT ON AMAZON |
INTRODUCTION
When you need precise, crisp cuts without the jagged edges that scissors can produce, you’re going to want a rotary cutter in your quilting or crafts toolbox. Razor sharp and designed to make all kinds of slicing easy and fast, the models listed here can handle multiple layers of fabric or paper. Keep in mind that even with their safety features, they can still be hazardous if used carelessly.
BEST ROTARY CUTTERS BUYERS GUIDE
Blade Diameter
Generally, blades run from 18mm to 60mm in diameter. The important thing to remember about rotary blade size is that the wider the blade, the more fabric you can cut at once. However, you may lose some maneuverability and ease of use as the size of the blade increases. If you are looking for an all-purpose blade for your first quilting project, a 45mm blade is a safe bet. You won’t lose a great deal of precision, but you will still be able to cut through most fabrics easily, and thinner fabrics should be able to cut in stacks of 4-6. A 60mm can be very handy to cut through batting and thicker fabrics, however; and if you are purchasing for a young quilter, one of the smaller blades may be easier for them to control.
Blade Safety
A good safety feature to look for on a new rotary cutter is a button that allows you to retract the blade when you aren’t using it. And as a general rule, always keep your fingers away from the blade and ruler when using a rotary cutter, and always put your cutter away when you aren’t using it.
Blade Material
A good blade saves you time by allowing you to cut through up to six layers of cloth in one pass; it also saves energy, because you don’t have to wrestle a good, sharp blade through the fabric. A good blade is a sound investment, because you will use it for multiple projects without needing to replace it; you will also save money on cloth, because your fabric will not catch or snag on any tiny burrs in a substandard blade. Perhaps most importantly, it’s just safer to work with a sharp blade than a dull one: you are far less likely to exert so much force on the cutter that you lose control of the blade. The best rotary cutters are made from tungsten or carbon steel – think of what makes for an excellent knife in the kitchen, and you’ll have what makes an excellent material for a rotary cutter.
Blade Handle
Since you will be gripping your rotary cutter for hours at a time, you want to be sure that the handle is comfortable to hold at the angle you will use the tool. Fiskars’ ergonomic handles are a quilting favorite, but you want to be able to visit your local craft shop and actually hold the blades in your hand to determine which fits most comfortably. There are some handles specifically designed with people with arthritis and grip issues in mind, so keep an eye out for these if this is an issue for you.
Rotary Blade Accessories
There are some accessories that are essential to purchase with a rotary blade, and others that will make working with a rotary blade easier or more fun. One of the absolute essentials is a cutting mat so that you aren’t scoring lines into your table or floor! Cutting mats are typically non-slip so that your fabric will stay where you put it.
Olfa Deluxe Handle
A quilters’ favorite, the Olfa Deluxe Handle is sturdy and versatile, and can cut through six layers of fabric at a time. You can assemble it for either your left or right hand, and it accepts pinking, scalloped, or wavy blades, which are available separately.
| PROS | CONS |
| Anti-slip rubber grip | Not found |
| Dual-action locking mechanism |
Olfa Splash
The Olfa Splash combines precision use with lively colors, with models available in purple, aqua, pink, and more. The stainless steel blade stays sharp through lots of use, while a retractable guard helps prevent accidental injuries.
| PROS | CONS |
| Unrestricted cutting angles | Not found |
| Premium quality edge |
Fiskars Stick
Simple and straightforward, the Fiskars Stick sports a symmetrical design that lets right- and left-handed individuals use it equally well. A slide button extends the guard for safety, and its first-rate construction feels balanced in use.
| PROS | CONS |
| Available in three designs | Not found |
| Choose between 45 and 60 mm |
Evergreen Art Supply 45 mm
The Evergreen Art Supply 45 mm features a titanium-coated, stainless steel blade that you can lock into position with a button on the handle. The edge stays sharp, and the ergonomic design helps to minimize fatigue in your hands.
| PROS | CONS |
| Plastic feels flimsier than some | Not found |
| Competitively priced |
Fiskars Comfort Loop
The Fiskars Comfort Loop maintains its sharpness and is equipped with a curved, slip-resistant handle for safety and control. The blade extends and retracts with a sliding button and can be assembled on either side of the handle for left or right-hand use.
Good for batting or foam/Replacement blades are easy to find/Blade can retract unexpectedly
| PROS | CONS |
| Replacement blades are easy to find | Not found |
| Blade can retract unexpectedly |
Quilter’s Cut Deluxe
The Quilter’s Cut Deluxe features a sculpted grip for ease of use and to minimize hand fatigue. Its blade automatically retracts when the handle is released, so you can’t grab the sharp edge by mistake when reaching for it.
| PROS | CONS |
| Works on cardboard and leather | Not found |
| Various colors to choose from |
Hercules AS100-K
When you need real power, you might consider the Hercules AS100-K. This electric model can slice through up to a quarter of an inch of material, and without you having to apply tons of pressure, so you won’t tire too quickly.
| PROS | CONS |
| Ample 10-foot cord | Not found |
| Integrated sharpener |
Martelli Ergo 2000
The Martelli Ergo 2000 doesn’t resemble most models, as the handle sticks out to the side. That’s not just for looks, but to ensure that it is comfortable to use, which means it’s a good selection for those with tendonitis or other ailments.
| PROS | CONS |
| Good maneuverability | Not found |
| Safety guard spring is a bit weak |
Olfa Circle Cutter
Anyone who has been quilting for even a short time knows that creating perfect circles can be a pain, a problem the Olfa Circle Cutter aims to resolve. Its clever design saves you from having to contort into uncomfortable positions while you use it, which is a nice touch.
| PROS | CONS |
| For diameters up to nearly 9 inches | Not found |
| Includes cover for the pivot spike |
WA Portman Set
If you’re looking to dip your toe into scrapbooking or quilt making, the WA Portman Set is a fine starting place. It gives you a cutter, five spare blades, and a self-healing mat, all for a budget-friendly price, so you can jump in without a huge investment.
| PROS | CONS |
| Blades dull relatively quickly | Not found |
| Good gift for newbies |
Conclusion
If you observe the reviews carefully, you’ll see that each rotary cutter has been carefully categorized according to our research result. However, take note that the trailers that didn’t meet our standard were not included among this list. The best rotary cutters we’ve reviewed are the best available in the market right now. If you’ve gone through the list, we believe you must have found one or two that meets your need. However, before you proceed to purchase, we suggest that you take enough time as needed to go through the details before paying.